Mary Louise Riggs

Rainsburg, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. She died, unexpected, at the age of 108.

She was of razor sharp mind and strong body until her Savior said “Well done my good

and faithful servant”. She passed quietly in her sleep, in her home, on July 28th, 2022.

Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 80 years, Elza Ralph Riggs, her parents

Philip Marion Morgart & Sarah Eshelman Morgart, 8 siblings, sisters (Ruth, Rae, Betty &

Sarah and brothers Robert, Ben, Ted & Jim,) son Charlie Riggs, Daughters-in-law

Donna Harp Riggs & Judy Riggs, Son-in-law Steve Lisenbe, nieces Linda Baber & Sally

Allen.

One of Lou’s favorite sayings was “Life Goes On”. And, her life was an example of that.

She lived through WWI, The “Spanish” Flu of 1918-1919, her mom’s illness and passing

at an early age, The Great Depression, WWII, loss of all her siblings, loss of her spouse

of 80 years, loss of children and loved ones, Hong Kong flu, Flu of 2017-18, and Covid.

Even through all that, she was a force. And, always continued to live every day to its

fullest.

She grew up in the town of Bedford, PA, the 8th child of a rural mail carrier. In 1933,

during the height of the Great Depression, Lou married her high school sweetheart and

learned about life on a dairy farm. Here, she won the heart of her father-in-law due to

her great love of horses. And, this is where she learned to cook, helping her mother-inlaw

prepare meals for all the hungry guys running the dairy.

In 1945, while WWII was still raging, she sold their home in PA, and followed her

husband to Texas where he had taken a better job. To make the move, she and her

sister, Betty, gathered gas rations and piled their 6 kids into the car for the long trip to

Houston, TX.

As a child, Lou was always active, preferring to climb trees, run track, and ride horses

instead of playing with dolls or traditional “girly” things. But, as a mom, she became

famous for her cooking and baking skills. Some of her most requested recipes included

blackberry cobbler, beans and Swiss steak with onions and gravy. She made the best

gravy!

Lou was a study in contrasts:

• Always truthful, rarely tactful

• Super clean, never fancy

• She lived a healthy life, but still enjoyed her licorice, dark chocolate, and ice

cream

• Extremely caring and giving, but had little concern what anyone else thought of

her

• Content to be a homemaker, but raised and influenced an army of strong women

In Galena Park, she became a cornerstone in the community. Raising 6 kids, and

always having an open door for her kid’s friends. Their house on 6th Street became the

hang-out spot, with endless baseball games in the yard and lots of food. And horses!

Even though money was always tight, she managed to get a horse. And then another.

In Galena Park, she was always involved in her church, The First Methodist Church,

and of course, all of her kid’s school activities. Their home was located down the street

from the football field. The birth of her last child was even announced at a Friday Night

football game.

When she & Ralph made the move to their farm in Willis in 1968, they both became

pillars in the First Methodist Church in Willis. And, she got another horse!

Lou was a servant at heart.

• She faithfully volunteered to clean her church for over 25 years.

• She started monthly pie parties at the local nursing home.

• She always prepared meals for those who were sick, or were just getting out of

the hospital

• Even when she was in her late 80’s, she delivered Meals on Wheels to the “old

people”.

As many of you know, she was a true friend.

She had a passion to care for those who needed it. Whether it be physical, as in the

form of food, or just a kind word of encouragement. She had a listening ear and a strong

hug.

But, she never made a show of her giving, and never expected anything in return.

This giving spirit continued her whole life. On her 105th birthday, she was most excited

about all the jars of peanut butter that were collected in her honor to be given to the

local food pantry.

Lou remained active her whole life.

When she inherited some money at age 80, she built a sports court “for the grandkids”.

Here, she would spend hours pitching horseshoes. Often at 11:00 pm at night!

During this time, she became involved in Sr. Olympics, and was the National Horseshoe

Champion for her age division for many years.

Speaking of grandkids, Grandma Riggs had a LOT of them. 17 grandchildren. 31 great

grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren. And, her grandkids all loved her dearly.

Even in her later years, she had a steady stream of them dropping by all the time just to

chat with her, and hear more of her quick wit. She knew every one of them, and was

always interested to hear about their latest adventures. She only spoke about her past

when questioned.

She also had a deep love for America and voted in every election since she became

eligible to vote in 1935.

The world is a better place because of the time Grandma Riggs was here. She will be

missed.

She is survived by her children:

son Jim Riggs and wife Carol, Lufkin, TX

son Ralph Riggs, Groveton, TX

son John Riggs and wife Merline, Arlington, TX

daughter Margie Riggs, Willis, TX

daughter-in-law Stephanie Brittain Riggs, The Woodlands

daughter Mari Ann Riggs Lisenbe, Willis, TX

Grandchildren:

Colleen Riggs Thompson and husband Mike, Mt. Pleasant, TX

David Riggs, Greenville, California

Sally Riggs Freedle and husband Scott, Highlands Ranch, CO

Richey Riggs, Kapa’au, Hawaii

Dianna Lewis Grey, Austin, TX

Robert Lewis and wife Heather, Edinburgh, Scotland

Sheryse Lang, Brookshire, TX

Matthew Riggs, Crockett, TX

Trevor Lang and wife Leah, Marietta, GA

Roxy Mounter and husband Nick, Houston, TX

Phil Riggs and wife Sharla, Huntsville, TX

Mike Riggs and wife Val, Cypress, TX

Gina Riggs Russenberger and husband Craig, Bigalow, AR

Robert Riggs and wife Lauren, Conroe

Christopher Riggs and wife Preeta, The Woodlands

Jacob Lisenbe and wife Candie, Panorama, TX

Michael Lisenbe and wife Gracie, Houston, TX

Thirty one great grandchildren, 10 great, great grandchildren, numerous nieces and

nephews all whom she loved dearly!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to:

TLC Food Pantry

P.O. Box 1334

110 West Montgomery Street

Willis, TX - 77378

Phone: (936) 856-8317

Internment:

Noon - Friday, August 5th

Evergreen Cemetery

FM 945

Coldspring, TX

Celebration of Life:

2:00 PM – Friday, August 5th

First United Methodist Church

200 N. Thomason St

Willis, TX